Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up on our family dairy farm southeast of Janesville. I graduated from Clinton High School in 1976 where I was very active in 4-H and FFA. After high school I attended Farm and Industry Short Course at UW-Madison. While at Short Course, a devastating fire destroyed our dairy herd and the barn. Then, I decided to go back for a second year to ensure that rebuilding the barn and the herd was the right decision. With the help of my parents, I got back into dairying in October 1978. I milked for another 30 years until December 2008, when it was time to sell the cows and have more time for other interests. Now, I still farm growing corn, soybeans and alfalfa. My brother, two nephews, a niece and I all farm. We each have our own crops, but work together, especially during planting and harvesting. I have served on the WFBF Board of Directors since 2014 along with a number of committees at the local, state and federal levels over the years.
What do you enjoy most about your career in agriculture? Why?
I enjoy being part of the agricultural community, in my neighborhood and throughout this great state.
What is one agriculture experience that has defined you and why?
The agricultural experience that has defined me the most is the WFBF Leadership Institute. I’m a very proud graduate of Class 3 (2009). It has opened many doors for me, not only in Farm Bureau, but in many things that I am involved in. I am constantly promoting it and encouraging members to apply to participate in the Leadership Institute.
What is a Farm Bureau experience that you are most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of the way that I have been able to balance the work on the farm with my roles in Farm Bureau, the town board and other community organizations.
Why are you proud to be a Farm Bureau member?
I’m proud to be a Farm Bureau member because of the many things we do for our members and for Wisconsin agriculture, as well as all the great members that we work together with.
How do you usually bring up Farm Bureau in conversation with someone who isn’t a member?
Sometimes I bring up Farm Bureau by mentioning what we’ve been doing lately. I especially like it when someone else brings it up in conversation first. That way, it shows me that they are interested. When I ask someone to join, I’ll usually have our district newsletter, Rural Route magazine, policy book and application forms with me. If I can find out what they are interested in, then I will go in that direction.
What’s at the heart of a Farm Bureau membership for you?
The heart of a Farm Bureau membership for me is being a part of something special, an organization that supports its members, who are the most important part of our organization.
This article originally appeared in the 2026 February | March Rural Route issue.
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